5 Things You Didn't Know About Coffman's Metals In Birch River, WV: The Scrap Yard That Became 'Appalachian Outlaws' Home
Coffman's Metals LLC in Birch River, West Virginia, is far more than a typical scrap metal yard; it is a true Appalachian institution with a history spanning over 90 years, blending the region's traditional trade in natural resources with the modern recycling industry. As of December 2025, this family-owned operation continues to serve as a vital economic hub in Nicholas County, drawing customers not just for its competitive prices on ferrous and non-ferrous metals, but also for its unique, nationally recognized heritage as the "Home of the Appalachian Outlaws."
Located at 161 Birch River Road, this facility stands as a testament to multi-generational entrepreneurship, evolving from a simple fur and roots trading post into a comprehensive recycling center. Whether you are a local contractor, a casual scrapper, or a fan curious about the business's television fame, understanding the full scope of Coffman's Metals reveals a fascinating slice of West Virginia commerce and culture.
The Deep Roots: A History from Fur and Ginseng to Scrap Metal
The story of Coffman's Metals is inextricably tied to the rugged, resourceful spirit of the Appalachian Mountains. Its origins predate the modern recycling boom, painting a vivid picture of early 20th-century commerce in West Virginia.
From Fur Buyer to Recycling Pioneer: The Guy Coffman Legacy
The business was founded in 1930 by Guy Coffman in Nicholas County, West Virginia. Unlike today's focus on heavy metals and industrial waste, Guy Coffman's original trade was in fur and roots, a traditional Appalachian business that involved buying natural resources harvested from the surrounding mountains. He was known throughout the state as one of the pioneers of this trade, an "old-time" buyer who understood the local economy and the value of what the land provided.
Over the decades, as the regional economy shifted and industrial activity—particularly mining and timber—increased, the business naturally evolved. The Coffman family began incorporating scrap metal and other recyclables into their operations. This pivot allowed the company to grow, becoming a staple in the region for contractors, demolition crews, and individuals looking to offload materials ranging from old appliances to heavy machinery.
Today, the business is run by the next generation, including Tony Coffman, the grandson of the founder, Guy Coffman. This multi-generational continuity ensures that the business maintains its deep local knowledge and commitment to the Birch River community.
The Appalachian Outlaws Connection: Fame and Ginseng
Perhaps the most unique and compelling aspect of Coffman's Metals is its association with the History Channel reality series, *Appalachian Outlaws*. This connection provides the scrap yard with a national profile and explains its unusual dual-service model.
Tony Coffman and the Green Gold Trade
The television show, which aired on the History Channel, focused on the high-stakes, competitive world of ginseng hunting and growing in the Appalachian region. Ginseng root, often referred to as "Green Gold," is a highly valued commodity in international markets, used for its purported medicinal properties.
Tony Coffman, a key figure in the Coffman family and the metal business, was a prominent cast member on *Appalachian Outlaws*. His participation brought the family's traditional roots and herbs trade—the very business Guy Coffman started in 1930—into the national spotlight.
The scrap yard's official website proudly features the branding "Home of the Appalachian Outlaws," and the facility remains one of the few places in West Virginia where you can sell both a load of scrap iron and a bag of freshly dug ginseng roots or other herbs. This unique combination of ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and natural roots makes Coffman's Metals a singular entity in the recycling industry.
A Practical Guide to Services and Scrap Metal Market Context
While the history and television fame are intriguing, the core function of Coffman's Metals remains providing essential scrap metal recycling services to the Birch River area and surrounding parts of West Virginia.
What Coffman's Metals Buys
Coffman's Metals is a comprehensive recycling center that handles a wide array of materials. Customers can expect to sell:
- Ferrous Metals: Including scrap iron, steel, car bodies, and heavy machinery. These are typically the largest volume materials.
- Non-Ferrous Metals: Higher-value materials such as copper (including #1 Copper, #2 Copper, and Bare Bright Copper), aluminum (cans, old sheet, truck rims), brass, and stainless steel.
- Roots & Herbs: Continuing the family tradition, they are licensed dealers for ginseng and other Appalachian roots and herbs.
- Other Recyclables: The business also acts as a general waste recycling company, helping the community manage various types of refuse.
Location and Logistics
The facility is strategically located at 161 Birch River Road, Birch River, WV 26610, just 300 yards from the intersection of WV Route 19 and State Route 82 East, making it easily accessible from surrounding areas like Summersville, Sutton, and Richwood. For customers with large loads, the company often offers pickup services, a critical service for industrial clients and major cleanup projects.
Current Market Context: Scrap Prices in West Virginia (December 2025)
Scrap metal prices are highly volatile and change daily based on global commodity markets. While Coffman's Metals maintains its own proprietary pricing, understanding the current regional market context is essential for sellers. As of December 2025, prices reported by other West Virginia recyclers in the general region indicate:
- #1 Copper: Averaging around $3.75 per pound.
- #2 Copper: Averaging around $3.50 per pound.
- Aluminum Cans: Averaging around $0.65 per pound.
- Aluminum Truck Rims: Averaging around $0.70 per pound.
It is always recommended to call Coffman's Metals directly before arrival to confirm their current prices for your specific materials, especially for high-value items like Bare Bright Copper or large quantities of scrap iron.
The Enduring Significance of Coffman's Metals
Coffman's Metals LLC is more than just a local business; it is a cultural landmark in Birch River, West Virginia. It represents the resilience and adaptability of Appalachian enterprise, successfully transitioning from the traditional fur and roots trade of the 1930s to a leading scrap metal recycling company today. The fusion of its deep history, its role as a premier buyer of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and its unique fame as the "Home of the Appalachian Outlaws" ensures its continued relevance as a vital economic and cultural entity in Nicholas County and the wider West Virginia region.
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